Tuesday, October 4, 2011

A New Adventure

"And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds it morning and is refreshed."

From the Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

Bernice Madeline Maria Sucha, 85, passed away Sept. 25, 2011 in Rochester, Minnesota. She was born in Chicago Nov. 16, 1925, to the Rev. Axel and Frida Eklund. The youngest of five children, Bernie began an early lifelong love for lakes while at her family cottage on Big Lake, Wisconsin.

At 16, she graduated from high school in Ironwood, Michigan. Bernie then embarked on a college adventure she referred to as the happiest time of her life. Accompanied by a spirited attitude and several expulsions, she graduated from North Park Junior College (Chicago) and Winona State Teachers College, (Winona, Minnesota)

On Sept. 29, 1950, she married Bill Sucha. They honeymooned at the Deluxe Motel in Rochester, Minnesota. During 59 years of marriage, they traveled throughout much of the US, England and Scotland. They lived in Austin, Minnesota, Denver, Colorado., Muskegon and Kalamazoo, Michigan, and the last 31 years in Green Bay. Bernie and Bill had four children, Jon, Julie, Jim, and Jordan.

Although most of her working life was spent teaching high school English, she also sold real estate in Michigan and worked as a secretary, mail clerk and waitress while putting herself through college. She was a substitute teacher in the Green Bay school system until age 80 and is past president of the Substitute Teacher’s Union.

A two-time breast cancer survivor, Bernie reveled in learning and remained active in the Learning In Retirement program at the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay. An avid reader, she loved to paint, play the piano, work crosswords puzzles, watch Jeopardy, dally at golf and bridge, fish and write poetry. She relished The Student Prince and Les Miserables. She completed one mile of the Bellin Run in 2007 and in 2010. Bernie adored golden retrievers, growing blue ribbon flowers--especially gladiolus, and the Green Bay Packers.

Her blog “Old? Who?Me?” has 669 followers and more than 23,846 visitors.

Rowing her boat on Lily Lake brought her much peace, but she preferred speed. She never turned down a motorcycle ride or let up on her lead-foot driving. This past May, she drove a speedboat at top speed down the middle of the lake.

Bernie enjoyed great love from her grandchildren Jacob Anderson (Chelsea), Jordan Anderson, Ian Anderson, and little Miranda Sucha, who loves catsup and pickles just like her grandma.

Visitation will be noon Friday, Sept. 30, followed at 1 p.m. by service at Grace Lutheran Church, Green Bay, Wis. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Allouez, Wis. Champagne, Those Golden Days,Drink, Drink, and Stars and Stripes Forever with fireworks on tap.

Thank you, Bernie, I will miss your words, I'll miss you, because despite the great geographical distance that separated us, reading your blog, I could feel a little closer to you.My prayers are for you and your family.Giada, Italy

Aaaah, Bernie, I'm so sorry that you've left us. Your last post indicated all was not well health-wise, but I had no idea it was this bad. I enjoyed your writings so much, and will miss coming here to see what you have to say. Rest well...

I am so blessed to have known you, Bernie. You had the wisdom of someone who has been here even longer than yourself, yet the heart and vibrancy of eternal youth. Thank you for sharing your life with me and others. I will never forget you, Bernie. Love, Anita

Bernie, even though we never met in person I feel like you've been a long, cherished friend who had such wisdom and love of life. I will miss your posts and all your adventures and your comments back on mine. One day I hope we will meet and I know I will recognize you immediately...you'll be the one hosting the bloggers only party! Have a wonderful reunion with Bill. My prayers will go out tonight for your family and thanks to whoever posted this for us. Love ya Bernie! Kathy (YaYa)

Dear Bernie!!How we will all miss you, your great zest for life and your curiosity which brought you often to my blog about my life in Australia with interesting questions and wise thoughts.My condolences to your family, you were a very special person, as well as being the oldest blogger around!! RIP Dear Bernie.There will be a tribute on my blog shortly.

I am devastated to learn of your passing dear friend, I will miss your post and your e-mails. I knew how much you missed Bill, now you are together again. God Bless, rest in peace and as always many, many hugs.......

Bernie, you have done something that I so desperately want to accomplish in my life; you have touched the hearts and minds of people everywhere. Thank you for that. We will miss you. And thank you Julie, Ian and her entire beloved family.

Dear Julie (and siblings),I didn't know your Mom had a blog, and am sorry it took such sad news to discover it. Such an interesting, lively, bright woman - a very big loss for you all. Please accept my condolences.

I hadn't been checking in on blogs much lately, and was shocked & saddened yesterday morning when I came across this post. I found your blog, dear Bernie when you were recognized on "blogs of note," and have been following since. I loved your sense of humor, your thoughtfulness on life, & wisdom that could only come from so many years experience living on this planet. You will be missed. It is my hope that there is something beyond this life.... and that you & Bill are smiling together somewhere out there.Sending much love to you and your family...

Thank you, Bernie. As you were on my blog as one of my Blog Favorites, I always looked forward to a new title from you. I have enjoyed reading your postings and will miss reading of your adventures. You were truly an inspiration.Your family is in our prayers. Rest in peace with Bill.On to your next adventure...

I will miss your spirit, your writing and your ability to make everyone who came to you feel like they were truly special to you. I hope you and Bill are dancing your way through heaven and laughing with as much joy as is evident in your wedding picture.

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About Me

I'm 85 years old and I find the blog world very interesting. I especially like to read about people who live in different parts of the country and world. I am on the cusp of a new phase of my life that came home to me when filling out a form asking my marital status. I had to X in the "Widow" box. Blogging has been a wonderful outlet for me.